Can’t find a SNES Classic? There may be a better way to relive the 16-bit era

Predictably, the SNES Classic Mini is proving pretty hard to come by. However, for those willing to stray from a Nintendo-branded solution, there may be a better option on the horizon.

The Super nt from Analogue is a region-free clone of the original console and it’ll play all of the original 16-bit cartridges (even the Japanese Super Famicon games) in 1080p HD

The company is also promising 100% accurate gameplay reproduction and zero lag. It will also have 48KHz 16-bit stereo audio for fans of those classic SNES soundtracks.

It’s fitted with the original controller ports, so you can give new life to the original peripherals or use the Bluetooth controllers from 8bitdo. It’s even compatible with modern controllers like the PS4’s DualShock 4 controller.

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The console is the follow up to the Nt mini which was launched to great acclaim last year as an alternative to the Nintendo-branded NES Classic Mini.

Purists will also benefit from features like scanline options, scaler options, horizontal position adjust, horizontal stretch, vertical position stretch and the like.

Preserving history

“We’re preserving history with FPGA hardware,” Analogue says on its website.

“The Super Nt has the same unparalleled compatibility as the Nt mini. The core functionality of the system is engineered directly into an Altera Cyclone V, a sophisticated FPGA. We spent thousands of hours engineering the system via FPGA for absolute accuracy. Unlike the knock off and emulation systems that riddle the market today, you’ll be experiencing the 16-bit era free of compromises. The Super Nt is designed to preserve video game history, with the respect it deserves.

It’s available in four colors, inspired by the US SNES and the Super Famicion as well as black and transparent.

The console will go on sale “soon” and it’s a whopping $189, without a controller. It can be pre-ordered now.

Given the SNES Classic Mini offers a paltry 21 titles built in and no way to add more without hacking the console, this might be a better alternative for those seeking the ultimate 16-bit experience on a modern television.

However, remember you still have to buy the cartridges so it could become an expensive hobby.